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News Article

Detainees Released in Iraq; Coalition Forces Kill, Capture Terrorists

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2006  In a joint initiative, the Iraqi government and Multinational Force Iraq released more than 220 security detainees June 11 from coalition-run internment facilities, U.S. military officials reported.

"You must give the government a chance and become productive members of society," Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi told some detainees prior to their release from Abu Ghraib Theater Internment Facility.

The release is part of an Iraqi government plan to release up to 2,500 detainees by the end of June, U.S. military officials said.

The release consists of those not guilty of serious, violent crimes such as bombing, torture, kidnapping and murder. The detainees must renounce violence and pledge to be good citizens of Iraq, officials said.

The release of the detainees is an acknowledgment by the government of Iraq and coalition forces of the importance of progress toward democratic governance and the rule of law in a new Iraq, officials said.

In other news, coalition forces killed a suspected terrorist and detained 23 others yesterday during morning raids north of Ramadi.

The forces were responding to suspected terrorist activity in the area, including the use of an elementary school as a suicide-bomber training facility.

Coalition forces secured several buildings during the raids and located multiple weapons in each building. The weapons were destroyed on site.

One terrorist was killed during the assault. Several noncombatants were present during the raids, but they were uninjured and were returned to their homes once the troops ensured the area and buildings were secure.